TSUNAMI WARNING ISSUED – March 11, 2011

Friday, March 11, 2011

Humboldt County Press Release

Residents of Humboldt County, California, are waking up this morning to a tsunami warning which has been issued for coastal areas of California due to a strong earthquake that occurred at about 9:46 p.m. last night near the east coast of Honshu Island, Japan.

A tsunami warning means that all coastal residents in the warning area who are near the beach or in low-lying areas should move immediately inland to higher ground and away from all harbors and inlets, including those sheltered directly from the sea. At this time, warning sirens are being activated in coastal areas of Humboldt County to notify residents of the strong possibility of tsunami waves.

Law enforcement is advising residents to go to higher ground until wave action subsides, which may be as long as 12 hours after the first wave. Residents are reminded that the first wave of a tsunami event will likely not be the strongest. Residents should listen to local media or NOAA weather radio for updates.

The Humboldt County Emergency Operations Center was activated at approximately 1 a.m. A Joint Information Centerhas been established by the County of Humboldt and the City of Eureka on the first floor of the Humboldt County Courthouse in Eureka. The telephone number for press inquiries is (707) 268-2547.

RESIDENTS ARE ASKED NOT TO CALL 911 UNLESS AN EMERGENCY EXISTS AT THEIR LOCATION.